Doherty golfer Ryan Pierce signs with Bethany College

Doherty golf standout Ryan Pierce signed with Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, on Wednesday, capping off a career in which he lettered three times.

Pierce, who has been playing golf since he was 5 years old, said he always wanted to play the sport on a collegiate level.

"I'm just at a loss for words, I'm just super excited," Pierce said. "This has been a dream of mine since I was really little just to play college not even to look at anything bigger - just really wanted to play college golf."

Fighting back tears, Pierce's coach Cheri Rogers praised him, saying he was a dependable team captain for the Spartans.

"He's an awesome golfer, he's awesome young man," she said. "He is very supportive of all the kids on the team."

Pierce thanked Rogers and his family and friends for his success.

"I couldn't have done it without my parents and my family and my friends supporting me and everyone that's just helped me get to where I am now. And my coach Mrs. Rogers she's definitely just done so much and helped with this process immensely."